Ikast captain Stine Skogrand has decided to end her handball career when her contract expires this summer.
The 33-year-old will step down after nine seasons and more than 300 matches for Ikast Handball. She announced this on the club's website on Tuesday. "It will be bittersweet to hang up my handball shoes this summer."
"I will take many memories with me—both the highs and the lows—and Ikast Handball will always hold a special place in my heart," says Stine Skogrand.
She highlights the 2019 Danish Cup title and the 2023 European League triumph as some of her greatest experiences with Ikast.
Stine Skogrand arrived in the Danish league in 2016, spending two seasons with Silkeborg-Voel before moving to Ikast.
With the Norwegian national team, she has previously won Olympic gold, two World Championship titles, and four European Championship titles.
For Ikast Handball, it is a bittersweet farewell to a long-serving player who has been of great importance to the club.
"If you were to describe the perfect captain, you really only need to look at Stine. She has it all," says Director Daniel Gronhoj.
He further notes that Skogrand is an exemplary leader, both on and off the court.
"I have no doubt that Stine still has the level required to compete among the very best, but I have great respect for her decision," the director says.
In October, Skogrand sustained an injury during a match against Copenhagen Handball. A scan revealed a fracture in her foot.